How to feel great after eating

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How to... stay satisfied

If you're tired of the afternoon slump or often feel like you need to unbutton your jeans and take a nap after eating, try some different food choices. Here's how to feel great after eating.

Step 1: Follow the new food plate

To reflect the latest science behind nutrition, the USDA has replaced its old standby, the food pyramid, with My Plate. The guidelines are simple:

Fruits and vegetables should make up half your plate.

Half of your daily grains should be whole grains.

Lean proteins and low-fat dairy are smart choices.

Eating this way will help keep you energized and feeling great throughout the day.

Step 2: Skip the sugar

Everyone deserves to indulge her sweet tooth once in a while, but too much of a good thing can be harmful. Refined sugars and certain carbohydrates — such as white flour and white rice — may give you a quick energy boost, but then they cause your blood sugar levels to crash quickly, leaving you fatigued and hungry. If you must have something sweet, choose a piece of fruit.

Step 3: Eat more fiber and less fat

You'll feel great after eating high-fiber and low-fat foods such as whole-grain bread, quinoa, beans and fresh berries because you'll be comfortably full. As a bonus, you won't get as hungry between meals, either.

Step 4: Enjoy eating

This may sound like a no-brainer, but taking the time to slow down and enjoy a meal will help you feel great after eating, too. Enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking and serving a great meal.